Aspen Times Weekly Libation: Charro Negro

We are a nation that loves a holiday. There’s National Grandparent’s Day and National Secretary’s Day and even National Donut Day (the first Friday in June, in case you’re wondering). So I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised to learn that July 24 marks yet another day worth celebrating — National Tequila Day. So in the honor of Gunilla Asher, who created this column and was a true tequila aficionado, this week’s Libation is a tequila drink. And while we could have gone with a shot (as Gunner would have done), or a margarita (see the Steamboat Sambrero in the June 19 edition), we decided to branch out a bit. So move over Cuba Libre, we’re serving up the Charro Negro, which is a basic cocktail of tequila (instead of rum), coke and lime, with the added twist of salt on the rim. A whole new way to enjoy tequila on a day dedicated to one of our favorite spirits.

Libations was created by beloved Aspen Times Publisher Gunilla Asher, who died June 2 after a brave battle with cancer. Gunilla wrote her column without any real training, other than in the spirit of “she is not a connoisseur, but she is heavily practiced.” We intend to carry on the crusade in her memory, so email jmgovern@aspentimes.com with what cocktails you’re mixing, what libations you’re drinking and what tastes have tempted your tastebuds, and we’ll share them with our readers.

Cheers – to Gunner!